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Thursday, 30 June 2011

DYLAN COVER # 3 - The Walker Brothers - 'Love Minus Zero (no limit)'

The Walker Brothers - 'Love Minus Zero (no limit)

Wow! What a gem from the silky tones of the great Scott Walker and one of my favourite Bobby songs, it is  from the album 'Bringing it all back Home'.  It's a  fantastic nostalgic video showing the boys in live action.  When my Son was getting married, he asked if I would recite a Dylan song at his wedding during the service. I thought long and hard what to choose and finally came up with this!  There are some fantastic appropriate lines like 'She doesn't have to say she's faithful, yet she's true like ice, like fire' or 'My Love she laughs like the flowers, Valentines can't buy her' - all great stuff. Kitted out in full Highland dress (ancient Mackenzie of course) I nervously recited the hallowed words....Bobby Burns himself would have been proud?? Have I discovered the new Dylan wedding song?... It's for you to decide.

If you can suggest a  'Better Bobby, Wedding Bliss Blues,  please leave a suggstion in the comments!!!!.....

R.I.P. John Walker

Click here for more of Dylan covers.
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Chemical Brothers - 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl'

Recollection Collection......musical memories recalled with affection!



Chemical Brothers - 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl' (1999)

No one does noise quite as beautifully as the Chemical Brothers. They say they formed because there wasn't enough sirens in Hip-Hop and being a Public Enemy fan I believe them. This track is taken from the excellent 'Surrender' album and became an anthem for clubbers and rockers alike. There were really only a handful of Dance bands around competing for the attention of the Brit Pop crowd at the time and the Chemical Brothers successfully negotiated that minefield.

This track gets me everytime with it's frantic pace and 'Acid House' tinged beats, I can't help but move some part of my body. As a non-dancer that is difficult as the last thing I want to do is to unleash my 'Dad Dance' to the world and spoil it all.

Thursday I'm in love....a chance to share some of my favourite tracks!
Click here for more Thursday I'm in Love posts.


If you want stomp around like a drunk uncle at a wedding, try these:-

Orbital, Death in Vegas, Leftfield
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Wednesday, 29 June 2011

WHAT A PERFORMANCE! # 1 - Morrissey - 'Everyday is Like Sunday'


Morrissey - 'Everyday is Like Sunday' (Glastonbury 2011)

I saw this today and I just had to share it. A beautiful melancholic song wonderfully performed at this years Glastonbury by the king of moping around, Morrissey. I was a late comer to the genius of The Smiths and Morrissey but I remember how powerful this track was in conveying the images he was singing about. With Morrissey's typical lyrical verve, I felt I was there feeling it with him waiting on that bench for the bombs to fall.

I won't buy a Toyota Prius when I go through my inevitable midlife crisis, I'll grab a sleeping bag and some wellies and go to Glastonbury. I've never been.
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Tuesday, 28 June 2011

FROM THE FRONTLINE # 1 - Joshua Moses - Africa (Is our Land)


Joshua Moses - 'Africa (is our Land)'

'I like my Reggae' and have done since since the SKA era in the sixties. I really began to get interested when the NME gave a free 'LP' sampler of reggae tracks from the 'Island Label' called the 'Front Line' every one was a winner. If you want to get into Reggae, this is probably a much better starting point than the various samplers of the more 'poppy' side of reggae that are always available. You can still get this Album...so get out there and obtain it and you can become an instant 'Rasta Man'. This song by Joshua Moses is from a sampler called 'The Bristol Reggae Explosion' and was released this year. I just love it and is my favourite Reggae track so far this year.

Click here for more Reggae and ting 

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Monday, 27 June 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Jeff Buckley - 'Grace'

I recently read that the long awaited biopic about Jeff will be made and it will not star R-Pats, James Franco or James Marsden but Gossip Girls Penn Badgley who(?) will play the gifted singer songwriter who died in 1997.  I was a massive Buckley fan and remember seeing this video in 1992 on the Chart Show and was completely blown away. I ended up going out specifically to buy the album and wasn't disappointed. It was spine tingly good and went on to become a blueprint for Muse, Coldplay and a bucketful of bands & artists. 

Try Live @ Sin-e, Grace, Sketches for My Sweetheart the drunk

Other Tuesday Blues
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Sunday, 26 June 2011

Tinariwen - 'Tenere Taqqim Tossam'

World Music Corner..




Tinariwen - 'Tenere Taqqim Tossam feat TV on the Radio' (2011)

It's packing heat!! Sun, seas of sand, hot tea.....Tinariwen and TV on the Radio share a tent and the Saharan airwaves on this amazing new track from the forthcoming album 'Tassili'. I've been a long time fan of the Malian desert blues outfit and I'm excited at the prospect of a new offering, especially with reports that Wilco are also collaborating. Their blend of desert blues is highly evocative and atmospheric, with the hypnotic guitars and trance like rhythms transporting me away. Hopefully not too far from a waiting oasis and a harem of women.......hmm ok maybe not the oasis but it's evocative nonetheless.

They are touring this summer and I just want to say that they are welcome to pop into Camberley for a cup of tea.

Click here for more World Music Corner posts 

If you like this,try this:-

Terakraft, Tamikrest, Etran Finatawa

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Saturday, 25 June 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 26/06/11

These are our tracks of the week. Do you have any? Let us know!



Old Pa's Corner
TV on the Radio - 'Will Do' (2011)

I just loved their last album 'Dear Science' and was probably my most played of that year, so I have been looking forward to the new one, 'Nine Types of Light'. I sampled through it and this track stood out immediately and I have played it several times.....I'm looking forward to getting into the full album. I will put in on my I-podish thing and take the dogs out for a long walk. Improve the mind and excerise at the same time. You can't beat it..


SFW
Eddie Vedder - 'Can't Keep' (2011)

I've always been a huge PJ (Pearl Jam not Pyjamas) fan and I easily could go on and on about how they made a huge imprint on my life...but I won't, well maybe a little. In the early 90's, it seemed to be Nirvana vs PJ, and Nirvana seemed to come out on top. But I must admit that for me, it was always Pearl Jam. Anyway, I digress, Eddie Vedder has released a solo album called "Ukulele songs" which unsurprisingly features Eddie singing with a Ukulele.  It's probably a bit long, and a little self indulgent but I love it because 1. Its Eddie Vedder and 2. I have a Ukulele! I've chosen the song "Can't Keep" (the original version featured on the PJ Riot Act Album) and in the video he looks like a musical guardian perched on the gateway to a Hawaiian island holding back the ocean.

Flycasual
DELS - 'Shapeshifter' (2010)

Apparently John Peel discovered Kieren Dickins some 10 years ago as a teenager, when he was performing at a bar in Ipswich. Although 'Shapeshifter' was out last year, it is taken from his newly released debut album 'GOB'. Touted as the new voice of UK Hip-Hop, DELS brings some much needed fervour to the genre, with fresh rhymes and innovative beats (here courtesy of Hot Chip's Joe Goddard). With the track about how he used to imagine changing into different characters when he was younger, DELS is an MC with definitely a lot more to say than the average bear!

If you like this, try this:-
Roots Manuva, Jehst, Earthling, Two Fingers
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Friday, 24 June 2011

GUEST SPOT # 2 - Hot Chip - 'Over and Over'


Hot Chip - 'Over and Over' (2005)

This week's Guest Spot goes to geek lord, Neo:-

Picture this, I'm half way through a 10 hour flight after a 2 week holiday. I fell asleep watching random music videos and woke up in the middle of this really catchy song. When it finished I hoped to find out who it was, but alas nothing. I liked it so much that I decided to (try at least) stay awake until the loop came round again as the artist and title were shown at the start of the video. I failed and bizarrely woke up again at pretty much the same point in the song. When I arrived back home all I could remember were a couple of lines "Over & Over & Over & Over, Like a monkey with a miniature cymbal" I went onto the XFM website and posed the question on a forum. What is this song called containing those lyrics. I waited, and a few minutes later I had my reply. Success !!! Since that moment Hot Chip have been one of my favourite bands, one of many reasons being that they do amazing covers. Like Transmission & Sexual Healing.

Click here for more of our Guest Spots.
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DYLAN COVER # 2 - Sinead Lohan - 'To Ramona'


"...another side of dylan..."
This is a great version of a song which is not one of Dylan's better known songs. It is from 'Another side of Bob Dylan' when he was drifting away from the 'protest song' and just before he 'turned electric'. It is not very often you can say a song changed your way of thinking, but this one certainly did for me....'there is no one to beat you, there is no one to defeat you, except the thoughts of yourself feeling bad'. Listen to the song and you will find pearls of wisdom coming over you like a flood.....will it change your way of thinking?...maybe not, but I needed that little bit of guidance in those days.

Click here for more of our Dylan Covers
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GIVE ME A GUITAR!! # 2 - Lafaro - 'Tupenny Nudger'


Lafaro - 'Tupenny Nudger' (2010)

I heard this early one morning on my way to work, I instantly liked it and it ended up being one of my favourite tracks of last year. It shocked me awake and not only that, it actually made me drive 40 mph in a 30 zone....oh yeah!! Fantastic track from the Northern Irish rock outfit, led by the suitably named Jonny Black, which injects some much needed rock juice in my veins. I raise the Goblet of Rock to you!



Give me a guitar!!!

Click here for more Give me a Guitar posts!!
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Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Lambchop - 'Up With People'

Recollection Collection......musical memories recalled with affection!

Lambchop - 'Up With People' (2000)

I heard this coming home from work in torrential rain the other day, it had been a while since I heard it and forgotten how good this song is. We are definately a vitamin D deficient nation and what better way than to inject some sunshine into your life than by listening to Lambchop's gorgeous 'Up With People'. Taken from 2000's Nixon album, it's a great example of how music can lift your mood, with Kurt Wagner's melodic voice over a simple guitar hook, soul clap and the horns and gospel choir finale it's real humous for the soul!

This'll do nicely, whilst we wait for summer to kick in, in the vain hope that it wasn't just those 3 days in April.

Thursday I'm in love....a chance to share some of my favourite tracks!
Need some more sun? Click here for Thursday I'm in Love posts.

If you like this, try this:-

Giant Sand, Wilard Grant Conspiracy, Calexico
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WEDNESDAY CLUB - LOVE -'You set the Scene'

     


    


It was on one of those mornings, when you wake up in a sort of a twilight world, after one of those long nights you don't remember ending. This song was still on repeat and I loved the trumpet sound at the end, I was hooked and hooked for life. The rest of the album 'Forever Changes' was better than all expectation. When I'm down it makes me happy. When I'm happy, it's an equalizer....Thank you Stan (my flatmate)!! I went to see Arthur Lee with my daughter to see him play "The" album live with an orchestra a few years back (she got hooked on the album too). I shared some of her cans of Super Strongbow on the train and it was then I knew my parenting skills were paying off.

We have all got our Desert Island album and I think Forever Changes just edges Blonde on Blonde for me....maybe!!!!

Love Love? Love Wednesday Club!
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Monday, 20 June 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! The National - About Today

Here's a song by The National that I first heard in 2004 that I absolutely love.  It's so melancholy, americana and although I can never imagine they'd be a great sing-a-long type of band (quite difficult when sung in monotone), this really sets the mood whether listening on headphones on public transport, standing on a windswept beach or sitting in a lounge with a glass of vino, late at night.....

....I've got the Tuesday blues because Saturday is so far away...

Click here for more Tuesday Blues.


for those who like Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, Calexico
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TRACK OF THE WEEK - 20/06/11 - City and Colour - Fragile Bird


City and Colour - 'Fragile Bird' (2011)

I've been loving this track by "City & Colour" for a couple of weeks. To me it sound's like a combo of "QOTSA - The lost art of keeping a secret" and Death Cab for Cutie.  Great voice, good tune, saucy video and nice to see that they spell it "Colour" rather than "Color". 
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R.I.P. - Clarence Clemons - "If I should fall behind"

It's sad to hear of the recent passing of the E-Street bands Clarence Clemons.  I was always a bit of a fan due to the fact he played Sax and I used to play as a nipper - but he also carried a big soul-gospel voice that added another layer to the musical onion of the Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street band.  So here is a track that poignantly includes him doing both.  R.I.P. big man!   
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Sunday, 19 June 2011

TRACK OF THE WEEK - 19/06/11 - Family of the Year - 'Chugjug'

Not my usual thing, but I can't help humming this tune, so what the hell!

Its over 30 degrees outside, the sun is shining, the smell of BBQ, the girls in their pretty dresses....it's great to be alive, it's summer....I'm off to the pool. It's that type of Tune.

If you like this one check out the Album 'The Magic Garden' by the 5th Dimension...mostly Jim Webb songs....what a treat that is!!!!

 The 5th Dimension - 'The Magic Garden'
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Saturday, 18 June 2011

TRACK OF THE WEEK - 19/06/11 - Foster the People -'Pumped Up Kicks'


     

Foster the People - 'Pumped up Kicks' (2011)

Buff and healthy American 3 piece inject some much needed Californian sunshine to an otherwise miserable June. It has this real late afternoon, summery feel to it, if you know what I mean. I thought this track sounded like the Eels....but anyway, with it's great vibe and catchy chorus it will have you hooked in no time. Which is probably due to the fact that vocalist, Mark Foster, used to work on commercial jingles before forming the band. Job done!

Please note there are clouds in the surfing scene...ha gutted!


If you like this, try this:-

Eels, MGMT, Yeasayer




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CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE # 3 - Control - Joy Division - 'Dead Souls'


Being a great Joy Division Fan, I had reservations when this film came out....but I have to say it was so well done and this scene when they play Dead Souls is absolutely amazing...it still brings shivers every time I see it and is up there with my favourite movie scenes of all time.....The track itself shows how great JD were and why they have influenced so many modern bands.  It was first released as part of a limited edition 'Sordide Sentimental' in France and as I used to go to Nice often, I trawled through all the record shops to get it....but with no success.  Sam Riley who plays Ian Curtis is eerily like the great man.

'Someone take these dreams away'

Click here fore more Classic Movie posts.
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GUEST SPOT # 1 - The Doves - 'There Goes the Fear' 

 
One of the ideas for this blog is based on sharing music and the experiences associated with it. So every week we'll have a 'guest spot', so that you can share a favourite song or moment with us. 

The first 'guest spot' is from KRS:-

This is a truly great song. I eagerly anticipated The Doves second album of "The Last Broadcast" and read The Doves were due to release their first single from it, "There Goes The Fear" for one day only in an experimental bid to reach the number one spot. My dad and I rushed out and bought a single each. The Sunday chart countdown went by with no number one in sight and I was saddened to see the singles all over the shelves the following weeks! Despite this and the sad breakup sentiments, the chorus always fills me with hope and I always get waves of goosebumps. Its an indulgent song if you are a sucker for the drums and what a treat, the song ends in a crescendo of samba beats and whistles, the sounds and atmosphere
of Carnival!
 
Click here for more of our Guest Spots. 
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Friday, 17 June 2011

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! Deftones - Change (In the house of flies)

It is time to get louder.... Deftones do the "quiet/loud" thing perfectly. Their music is atmospheric, melodic, moody & perfect for the angry teenagers, women in black, and men having midlife crisis....

...Just give me a guitar!!!

Click here for more Give me a Guitar posts.
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Monday, 13 June 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Fleet Foxes - Blue Spotted Tail

Last night, I spent an hour or so outside listening to music on random whilst sitting by an outdoor fire. In the tranquillity of watching the flames burn bank details and receipts - this song just popped up and I felt compelled to press the back button to repeat it over and over. I've listened to the fleet foxes "helplessness blues" album a few times and nothing really stood out. Though sometimes you just need to listen to something in isolation for it to work.

Burn some more shit? Click here for more Tuesday Blues.

for those who like Iron & Wine, Midlake, Grizzly Bear
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CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE # 2 - Dazed and Confused - Aerosmith - 'Sweet Emotion'


Dazed and Confused (1993)...Opening Scene... 'Sweet Emotion'

.....alright, alright, alright...

Nothing like a bit of 'Cock Rock' to stir up those emotions and Aerosmith's aptly titled 'Sweet Emotion' does exactly that. Both song and movie transport me back to a time when I was struggling to settle in the UK after coming back from Saudi Arabia. School was a particular ball ache as I was being ostracised for being different, though I can't imagine it had anything to do with the fact that after 10 years I had picked up a 'North Atlantic drawl', acquired a golden tan and the myth that my dad was an oil baron that used to draw the attention of all the school girls! (nothing changes)




The classic track is taken from the brilliant intro to the equally classic film, 'Dazed and Confused'. The story tracks the day in the life of a group of teens on their last day of school and with it the expectation of a long hot summer, a stark contrast from living in a grey, damp Hounslow. However, I used to take great solace from this track from the moment of the opening bars, to the gravely tones of Steven Tyler's voice and Joe Perry's guitar lick. Combined with the atmosphere of the film, it  reminds me a bit of what life was like in Jeddah.

The film is a fantastic piece of escapism which the opening sequence evokes so well.

Click here for more Classic Movie Scene posts.
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CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE # 2 - Dazed and Confused - Aerosmith - 'Sweet Emotion'


Dazed and Confused (1993)...Opening Scene... 'Sweet Emotion'

.....alright, alright, alright...

Nothing like a bit of 'Cock Rock' to stir up those emotions and Aerosmith's aptly titled 'Sweet Emotion' does exactly that. Both song and movie transport me back to a time when I was struggling to settle in the UK after coming back from Saudi Arabia. School was a particular ball ache as I was being ostracised for being different, though I can't imagine it had anything to do with the fact that after 10 years I had picked up a 'North Atlantic drawl', acquired a golden tan and the myth that my dad was an oil baron that used to draw the attention of all the school girls! (nothing changes)




The classic track is taken from the brilliant intro to the equally classic film, 'Dazed and Confused'. The story tracks the day in the life of a group of teens on their last day of school and with it the expectation of a long hot summer, a stark contrast from living in a grey, damp Hounslow. However, I used to take great solace from this track from the moment of the opening bars, to the gravely tones of Steven Tyler's voice and Joe Perry's guitar lick. Combined with the atmosphere of the film, it  reminds me a bit of what life was like in Jeddah.

The film is a fantastic piece of escapism which the opening sequence evokes so well.

Click here for more Classic Movie Scene posts.
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TRACK OF THE WEEK - Richard Hawley -'There's a Storm a Comin'


Richard Hawley - 'There's a Storm Comin'

Just watched the disappointing remake of Brighton Rock. The only good thing about it was the tune playing with the end credits. Another great song by Richard Hawley, he keeps knocking them out. He has definately cornered that romantic balladeer market, with just enough sadness to satisfy my craving. There is definately a hint of the great Roy Orbison in there somewhere. If you are not aware of this guy, check out his album Coles Corner....and then keep on going.....'get in' before he becomes a Superstar.
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Sunday, 12 June 2011

TUESDAY BLUES - Brenda Holloway - You've made me so very happy


At times my wife will tell me off for constantly listening to "sad" music so every now and again I'll show her 'another side'. So it's apt that "You've made me so very happy" is my soul fix. Brenda Holloway co-wrote this track with Berry Gordy (Motown Supremo), which later became a hit for "Blood Sweat & Tears". She opened for the Beatles at Shea Stadium and despite modest success, only stayed with Motown for 6 years where she got married and retired from the Music Industry. So love, this ones for you!
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Friday, 10 June 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Reason to Believe - Tim Hardin

I love this song but I have to say, the first time I heard it it was by Rod Stewart. The next day I rushed out and bought it and would you believe, the B side was Maggie Mae. Next day, I rushed out and bought the album....'Every Picture Tells a Story' (brilliant) and two of Rod's previous solo abums. My new Access card was quickly reaching its Max! Back to Tim...I was aware of Tim at the time but did not know he had written so many brilliant tunes...'If I were a Carpenter', 'Lady Came From Baltimore'. Check out a 'Best Of'...every ones a winner!

Went out with Ian, an old school friend from Inverness, to the Roundhouse to see Tim in the early 70s. It was just before Tim died and we shared a table with Lemmy from Motorhead for an hour or so (I'm sure he still talks about it now) as Ian used to share a squat with Lemmy. After, I sort of  remember driving home with one eye closed and up over the curb at Eros in Picadilly Circus.....but we were young then!!!

Believe in Wednesday Club!
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Thursday, 9 June 2011

BREAKUP # 4 - Ryan Adams - 'Come pick me up'


Ryan Adams - 'Come Pick Me Up'

I've been mulling over which Ryan Adams song to add to the "Breakup" posts - there is so many I can choose from!!! “Come pick me up” features on his solo debut “Heartbreaker” and the album is inspired by a breakup which he recorded in 14 days. When you first hear the song you laugh at the chorus - "Come pick me, take me out, Fk me up, steal my records, screw all my friends, they're all full of sh*t, with a smile on your face....I wish you would.” - listen a couple more times, then you’ll soon realise that you don’t want to go through a breakup like this one!


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Midfield General - 'Midfielding feat Noel Fielding'

Recollection Collection......musical memories recalled with affection!


Midfield General - 'Midfielding feat Noel Fielding' (2000)

I Love this track because it's firmly rooted in Hip-Hop, puts UK mammals back on the map and it's bloody weird. An animal slave rebellion, an old Russian lady who's seen too much and a huge wooden shrew, what's not to like! A big beat and plonky piano loop accompanied by Noel Fielding's nonsensical freestyle make this a truly unique track.

Midfield General aka DJ Damien Harris, founder of Brighton's dance label Skint, recruited Noel for this song after seeing him in his stand up routines. All this before his rise to fame through the equally bizarre 'The Mighty Boosh'.

'....best weekend I ever had!'

Thursday I'm in love...a chance to share some of my favourite tracks.
Click here to see more Thursday I'm in Love posts.


If you like this, try this :-
similar tracks:- 'Thou Shalt Always Kill' - Scroobius Pip, 'The First Big Weekend' - Arab Strap
or
The Mighty Boosh, Lo Fidelity All-Stars
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Tuesday, 7 June 2011

TRACK OF THE WEEK - 07/06/11 - Cloud Control - 'This is what I said'




Cloud Control - 'This is what I said' (2011)

Never heard of these guys, apparently they are from OZ. I was shuffling through bits and pieces and came across this track......really good ...almost Vampire Weekendish, if you know what I mean. I played it 3 times in a row as I was a bit bored and it just gave me a little bit of a lift. Thats what music is all about. I will have to search out for a depresser now to even things out a bit.....keep on searchin'
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TUESDAY BLUES! Villagers - 'To Be Counted Among Men'


I've been recently listening to the "Villagers - Becoming a Jackal" album again, and I just love this track. It's the last song on the album and is sung with such fragility,  is so mesmerizing that it makes you want to pause the world and just listen to the storytelling held within. What a tune!!!! Though for some reason every time that I see the singer (Conor O'Brien), he reminds me of a monk - it must be his hair!!!

"...then she became a slave in ancient athens, she doesn't know quite how it happened...." - brilliant! 

Click here for more Tuesday Blues.  

for those who like Damien Rice, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes
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Monday, 6 June 2011

CLOSE TO THE EDIT! Is Tropical - 'The Greeks'

Is Tropical - 'The Greeks'......and people complain that kids spend too much time indoors playing video games!

I have to thank my old friend from Saudi Arabia, John McCormack, for sharing this genius piece of ultra violence, his background in video editing has obviously given him a keen eye for quality. Lets face it, most kids were imagining the same thing growing up whilst re-enacting scenes from Red Dawn or Aliens, I know we were. Great tune too!

This is not for the faint of heart and definitely not to be played post family Sunday lunch.

'Close to the Edit'.....because we all like nice videos!
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